EXCURSIONS

API students participate in several excursions per session designed to help familiarize them with areas of their host city, country, and surrounding region. The following is a listing of all excursions for API Seville programs. All excursions are subject to change.

SPRING

CÁDIZ

Cádiz boasts over 3000 years of history and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. For many years, Cádiz was the link between Europe and the New World, which explains the many similarities between Cádiz and Havana, Cuba. A walk around the city center is a joy to the senses with the sea, the streets, the Cathedral dome and the colorful houses along the coast.

CORDOBA

Córdoba’s rich cultural legacy stretches back over 2,000 years. Once the capital of one of the Roman provinces, it was captured in 716 by the Muslims. At that time, it was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world, with a population ranging between 250,000 and 500,000 inhabitants. Its unique mosque was constructed 1,100 years ago and has 1,000 columns. Other sites of interest include the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir, the Plaza de la Corredera, and the Jewish barrio and synagogue.

EL ESCORIAL

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial was constructed between 1563-1584 and built in the purest 16th century Renaissance style. Nearly all Bourbon kings and queens of Spain have been buried here. It is a royal palace, a monastery, school and houses the private library of Philip II which contains some of the oldest books in the world.

EXTREMADURA

Several towns are “musts” in this region. First is Mérida, home of the largest number of Roman ruins outside of Italy, as well as a Museum of Roman Art, an amphitheater and aqueducts. Second is Cáceres, a Medieval and Renaissance city with walls that were built by the Romans and Almohads. Third is Trujillo, the cradle of more than 500 conquerors. Walking through this city will offer the opportunity to see many historical monuments and the Moorish castle. The mountain-town within the region of Las Villuercas leads to the historic village of Guadalupe, home of the Sanctuary-Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

GRANADA

Granada is one of the most enchanting cities in Spain. With more than a thousand years of recorded history, Granada enjoys one of Spain’s most important cultural and architectural patrimonies. Granada sites include the Alhambra and the historical Moorish Albaicín quarter, both designated as World Heritage by the UNESCO.

GRAZALEMA

Grazalema (Cádiz province) is one of Spain’s most stunning natural parks. In 1977 this area was declared a “Reserve of the Biosphere” by UNESCO due to the exceptional variety and wealth of its fauna and flora. It consists of a massif karstic limestone with closed river basins, headstreams of the Guadalete and Majacete’s Rivers and tributaries of the Guadiaro. It also comprises a mountain lagoon called ‘Laguna del Perezoso’. The park status envelopes several beautiful towns and villages; Grazalema, El Bosque, Ubrique, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz, Benamahoma, Prado del Rey, and Villaluenga del Rosario are within the Cadiz side of the park.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

INTERNATIONAL EXCURSION

Lisbon is a European city like no other. It boasts as grand a cultural and historical heritage as many other European cities, but also has an earthier side that sets it apart. An impressive Gothic cathedral, the Hieronymites Monastery, St. George’s Castle and Torre de Belém are all part of the colourful cityscape. Another side of LIsbon is discovered wandering around the narrow lanes of Alfama, Rossio and Barrio Alto Quarters, and taking in the sounds and rhythm of the city. One experiences a step back in time through visits to the cultural sites in Lisbon, while also gaining an impression of the differences between Portugal and Spain.

MADRID

Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. Three of the most important art galleries in the world (the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums) are all located in the center of Madrid. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic, liberal and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world’s great capitals.

PUERTO SANTA MARIA

El Puerto de Santa María is one of the most well known towns in the Cádiz province due to its beautiful beaches, wonderful food and plentiful wineries. The wine produced in this location (typical of the Jerez area) is an important part of Spanish culture.

TOLEDO

Toledo, located south of Madrid, was declared ‘City of Mankind’s Heritage’ by UNESCO in 1986. It was capital of Spain from mid-6th to the mid-16th centuries, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” it served as a hub for Jews, Moors and Christians and has today become a symbol of religious tolerance. Walking through Toledo is like taking a magic journey into the past.

FALL

CÁDIZ

Cádiz boasts over 3000 years of history and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. For many years, Cádiz was the link between Europe and the New World, which explains the many similarities between Cádiz and Havana, Cuba. A walk around the city center is a joy to the senses with the sea, the streets, the Cathedral dome and the colorful houses along the coast.

CORDOBA

Córdoba’s rich cultural legacy stretches back over 2,000 years. Once the capital of one of the Roman provinces, it was captured in 716 by the Muslims. At that time, it was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world, with a population ranging between 250,000 and 500,000 inhabitants. Its unique mosque was constructed 1,100 years ago and has 1,000 columns. Other sites of interest include the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir, the Plaza de la Corredera, and the Jewish barrio and synagogue.

EL ESCORIAL

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial was constructed between 1563-1584 and built in the purest 16th century Renaissance style. Nearly all Bourbon kings and queens of Spain have been buried here. It is a royal palace, a monastery, school and houses the private library of Philip II which contains some of the oldest books in the world.

GRANADA

Granada is one of the most enchanting cities in Spain. With more than a thousand years of recorded history, Granada enjoys one of Spain’s most important cultural and architectural patrimonies. Granada sites include the Alhambra and the historical Moorish Albaicín quarter, both designated as World Heritage by the UNESCO.

GRAZALEMA

Grazalema (Cádiz province) is one of Spain’s most stunning natural parks. In 1977 this area was declared a “Reserve of the Biosphere” by UNESCO due to the exceptional variety and wealth of its fauna and flora. It consists of a massif karstic limestone with closed river basins, headstreams of the Guadalete and Majacete’s Rivers and tributaries of the Guadiaro. It also comprises a mountain lagoon called ‘Laguna del Perezoso’. The park status envelopes several beautiful towns and villages; Grazalema, El Bosque, Ubrique, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaocaz, Benamahoma, Prado del Rey, and Villaluenga del Rosario are within the Cadiz side of the park.

MADRID

Spain’s capital blends the modern with an important cultural and artistic heritage. Three of the most important art galleries in the world (the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums) are all located in the center of Madrid. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic, liberal and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world’s great capitals.

PARIS, FRANCE

INTERNATIONAL EXCURSION

One of the most intriguing cities in the world, Paris is full of amazing museums, architecture, music, fashion and beauty. One of the great cultural and intellectual centers of the West, it is felt by many to be the heart, soul, and imagination of France. Innumerable monuments built to reflect the glory of France and its rulers stand testament to the city’s rich history. The Louvre, a former palace and current home to the world’s largest art collection; Notre Dame, a grandiose jewel of the gothic era; the Eiffel Tower, a turn of the century masterpiece; and Montmartre, an artist’s haven, are only a few examples of Paris’ highlights.

PUERTO SANTA MARIA

El Puerto de Santa María is one of the most well known towns in the Cádiz province due to its beautiful beaches, wonderful food and plentiful wineries. The wine produced in this location (typical of the Jerez area) is an important part of Spanish culture.

SIERRA DE ARECENA

The chestnut and olive tree-covered hills of “Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche” is one of the hidden jewels of Andalusian parks. This natural reserve, located northeast of Seville, is the second biggest protected park in Andalucía, covering over 28 different small whitewashed villages.

TOLEDO

Toledo, located south of Madrid, was declared ‘City of Mankind’s Heritage’ by UNESCO in 1986. It was capital of Spain from mid-6th to the mid-16th centuries, as evidenced by its impressive medieval architecture. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures,” it served as a hub for Jews, Moors and Christians and has today become a symbol of religious tolerance. Walking through Toledo is like taking a magic journey into the past.